Concrete Recycling

The concrete rubble created from building demolitions is increasingly being recycled on site instead of filling up landfills or being taken away for processing.

Self contained mobile crushing machines capable of recycling up to 100 tonnes of rubble a day are transported to site drastically reducing transportation costs. The pulverised material can then be utilised for a range of new uses from gravel to coastal defences to more concrete! Rebar poses no problem as it is removed by powerful magnets. Speculation remains about whether concrete containing lead based paints can be recycled but to date no evidence has suggested there are any real dangers.

Case studies

Dass Park Hotel

Created by the Austrian designer Andreas Strauss, Das Parkhotel in Ottensheim Austria, is a projectthat makes innovative use of recycled concrete piping converting them into basic, yethigh quality accommodation.Each pipe section contains a double bed, electric light, storage, plug sockets, sleeping bags and a blanket providing a secure and cheap stay for those travelling light. Other amenities are located nearby in a communal block.

Hanil Visitors Center

Designed by Korean based firm, BCHO Architects, this information centre was created for the Hanil Cement Firm to educate people on the possibilities of recycling concrete - Korea’s primary building material. The structure outwardly reflects this purpose employing several methods of recycled concrete construction such as gabion curtain walls and roofing as well as utilising precast concrete in the façade creating curved trunk like forms that echo the forest nearby. The four large openings in the eastern wall allow visitors a look inside the building at the production processes used in the cement factory.